Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for combustion of diverse materials, particularly combustible solids, liquids or gases, such as sewage sludge, refuse, coal, refinery sludge, tar sands, coal shale, coal tailings and spent foundry sand. A rotary combustion apparatus is employed which consists of a cylindrical drum, or other similar regularly shaped chamber, with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation including an ignition zone, a principal combustion zone, a falling temperature zone and a spent solids removal zone. The apparatus further includes solids transport chutes for forward and backward circulation of solids, arranged for the transfer of solids to or from one or more points. Feedstock may also be heated by recycled hot solids. The method and apparatus employs direct solids-to-gas contact established by lifting and cascading combustible solids through a hot gas stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for combustion of diverse materials, particularly combustible solids, liquids or gases, such as sewage sludge, refuse, coal, refinery sludge, tar sands, coal shale, coal tailings and spent foundry sand. A rotary combustion apparatus is employed which consists of a cylindrical drum, or other similar regularly shaped chamber, with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation including an ignition zone, a principal combustion zone, a falling temperature zone and a spent solids removal zone. The apparatus further includes solids transport chutes for forward and backward circulation of solids, arranged for the transfer of solids to or from one or more points. Feedstock may also be heated by recycled hot solids. The method and apparatus employs direct solids-to-gas contact established by lifting and cascading combustible solids through a hot gas stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for retorting particulate solid materials, particularly hydrocarbon-containing materials such as oil shale, oil sands, tar sands, coal shale, coal tailings, and the like, for the recovery of a volatile constituent such as oil or gas. A rotary retorting apparatus is employed which consists of a cylindrical drum, or other similar regularly shaped chamber, with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and having multiple compartments for retorting and combustion and, optionally, spent solids cooling. The apparatus further includes solids transport chutes for forward and backward circulation of solids, arranged for the intercompartmental transfer of solids with the capability of additions at one or more points in each compartment. Employing the method and apparatus, particulate solids feedstock is heated by recycled spent solids material to remove the volatile constituent of the feedstock in the retort section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for retorting particulate solid materials, particularly hydrocarbon-containing materials such as oil shale, oil sands, tar sands, coal shale, coal tailings, and the like, for the recovery of a volatile constituent such as oil or gas. A rotary retorting apparatus is employed which consists of a cylindrical drum, or other similar regularly shaped chamber, with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and having multiple compartments for retorting and combustion and, optionally, spent solids cooling. The apparatus further includes solids transport chutes for forward and backward circulation of solids, arranged for the intercompartmental transfer of solids with the capability of additions at one or more points in each compartment. Employing the method and apparatus, particulate solids feedstock is heated by recycled spent solids material to remove the volatile constituent of the feedstock in the retort section.

Abstract: A lathe arrangement to turn down or grind worn tread surfaces of railroad wheels to a prescribed profile, the lathe arrangement including a wheel securing apparatus. The wheel securing apparatus comprises a plurality of driver arms pivotally supported on a rotatable face plate. Means are provided to move the driver arms radially so that they may engage the front face of the rim of any diameter railroad wheel. The means to move the driver arms includes a movable mechanical linkage connected to each driver arm to permit their synchronous radial movement.

Abstract: A modular pushbutton switch is removably mounted on a dielectric mounting member which has stationary contacts thereon. Contacts are removably mounted in a housing member and an actuating member moves the movable contacts and housing member into and out of engagement with the stationary contacts. Latching means is provided to maintain the movable contacts in one of two positions.